JP2006237742A - Output device, reading device, information processing system, output program, reading program, information processing program, and computer readable recording medium recording the same programs - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent information from being affected by a copying state. <P>SOLUTION: A generator 104 generates a plurality of embedded images in an information processing system. A plurality of the embedded images show either characters and numerical values stored by an acquisition part 103, and correspond to any of a plurality of mutually different information. A synthesizer 105 overwrites a plurality of the embedded images on an arbitrary part of an image read in by a reading-in part 101. An output 106 outputs the image on which the embedded images are overwritten by the synthesizer 105. A detector 110 detects a plurality of the embedded images from the image, which is outputted by an output device 100, read in by an input 109, and includes a plurality of the embedded images corresponding to any of a plurality of the embedded information. An extractor 111 specifies the information corresponding to each of a plurality of the embedded images. A second processor 113 outputs the information corresponding to any of the information specified by the extractor 111. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an output device, a reading device, an information processing system, an output program, a reading program, an information processing program, a computer-readable recording medium recording the output program, a computer-readable recording medium recording the reading program, and information The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a processing program is recorded, and in particular, an output device that reorganizes an original image, a reading device, an information processing system, an output program, a reading program, an information processing program, and a computer-readable recording that records an output program The present invention relates to a medium, a computer-readable recording medium that records a reading program, and a computer-readable recording medium that records an information processing program.

  In Patent Document 1, the document issuer extracts the feature portion of the document image, creates information based on the feature portion, outputs the document image on which the information is pasted as a document for transmission, The receiving side accepts the document for transmission, extracts information based on the feature from the image of the document for transmission, extracts the feature from the image from which the information based on the feature is extracted, and creates information based on the feature Then, a document authentication method for checking the validity of a document for transmission by collating the information based on the created feature and the information based on the cut out feature is disclosed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to properly authenticate exchanged documents and document data. This is because so-called “digital watermark” is used. Digital watermarking is a technique for embedding specific information in multimedia data such as images, moving images, and voices with little effect on image quality and sound quality.

  Digital watermarks are often used to embed information about copyright. The multimedia data such as the image in which the above-mentioned “specific information” is embedded appears to be the same as the original data at first glance. However, when such multimedia data is read into a dedicated device, the embedded information is extracted.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a correction circuit that corrects the gradation of an image serving as a background, and a halftone process with a rougher number of output lines than the background image or an image after gradation correction performed by the correction circuit. And a selection circuit that selects either an image that has undergone halftone processing or an image that has not undergone halftone processing in accordance with a mask image and outputs an image in which a latent image is embedded. The correction circuit discloses a device that corrects the gradation so that the gradation of an image that has been subjected to halftone processing and an image that has not been subjected to halftone processing match at the time of output.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to create a document for which copying is prohibited using ordinary paper, and the pattern of the latent image is not conspicuous, and the pattern or image that becomes the latent image can be easily changed. This is because a special paper principle called cherry paper is used.

  Cherry paper is paper that has been printed in advance with a specific pattern that makes it difficult for human eyes to see but characters appear when copied. If a document is printed on this paper, characters and symbols appear when copied by a copying machine. Characters and symbols appear, so you can see at a glance that it is a copy. Since it can be seen at a glance that it is a copy, it can be recognized that the copied document is not the original document as well as the copy is inhibited. The printed matter printed by the apparatus according to Patent Document 2 is composed of rough halftone dots and fine halftone dots that can be seen with the same brightness. Of these halftone dots, areas printed with coarse halftone dots are raised during copying. Areas printed with fine dots disappear when copying.

However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, since falsification is verified by the feature amount, there is a problem that even if the original is an original, it may be erroneously detected if the printed matter has dirt or wrinkles. . When tampering is verified based on a copy, the possibility of false detection is further increased. The invention is not limited to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, and it is difficult for the “digital watermark” to obtain the same data as the digital data before printing from the printed material when the printed material such as paper is exchanged. There is also. The invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a similar problem. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 has a problem that by copying the density of the copying machine, it is possible to copy so that coarse halftone dots disappear or to copy so that fine halftone dots remain. .
JP 2001-309157 A JP 2001-197297 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its object is to provide an output device, a reading device, an information processing system, an output program, and a reading device in which information is less likely to be affected by the copying state. An object is to provide a computer-readable recording medium in which a program, an information processing program, an output program are recorded, a computer-readable recording medium in which a reading program is recorded, and a computer-readable recording medium in which an information processing program is recorded.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to an aspect of the present invention, in the output device, the creating means creates a plurality of first images. The plurality of first images correspond to any of a plurality of pieces of information representing any one of characters and numerical values and different from each other stored by the storage unit. The overwriting means overwrites an arbitrary portion of the second image read by the reading means with the plurality of first images. The output means outputs a second image in which the overwriting means overwrites the first image. As a result, a plurality of images corresponding to any of the plurality of information are overwritten on the read image, so that the possibility that the information is affected by copying in the image output by the output means is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide an output device in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy status.

  Further, it is desirable that the creating means creates a plurality of images having different pixel sizes. The possibility that an image is affected by copying varies depending on the size of the pixel. When a plurality of images having different possibilities of being influenced by copying are included, the possibility that the image is affected by copying differs for each image. Thereby, even if the information is affected by copying, it is clarified that the information is affected by copying. As a result, it is possible to provide an output device in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy status, and even if the information is affected by the copy, it is clarified that the information has been affected by the copy.

  In addition, it is desirable that a plurality of images having different pixel sizes correspond to different information for each pixel size. As a result, the possibility that the information is affected by copying differs for each pixel size. Since there is a plurality of pieces of information having different possibility of being affected by copying, it is clarified how much the information is affected even if the information is affected by copying. As a result, it is possible to provide an output device in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy status, and even if the information is affected by the copy, the extent to which the copy is affected is clarified.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the plurality of first images correspond to any of a plurality of pieces of information representing the contents of the read second image. Thereby, in the image output by the output means, the possibility that a plurality of pieces of information representing the contents of the read image are affected by copying is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide an output device in which the information about the content of the read image is less likely to be affected by the copy state.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the plurality of first images correspond to any of a plurality of pieces of information representing the contents of processing for the read second image. As a result, in the image output by the output means, there is less possibility that a plurality of pieces of information representing the contents of processing on the read image are affected by copying. As a result, it is possible to provide an output device in which the information about the contents of processing on the read image is less likely to be affected by the copy state.

  The plurality of first images desirably correspond to information encrypted in advance and information used for decrypting the encrypted information. Thereby, it is possible to specify information encrypted in advance and information used to decrypt the encrypted information from the image output by the output unit. Both the previously encrypted information and the information used for decrypting the encrypted information are less likely to be affected by copying. As a result, it is possible to provide an output device in which information encrypted in advance and information used for decrypting the encrypted information are less likely to be affected by the copy state.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the reading device, the detection means includes a plurality of second images including a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of information read by the reading means. The first image is detected. The specifying unit specifies information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images. The output means outputs information corresponding to any of the information specified by the specifying means. Thereby, information corresponding to any of the plurality of information is output. Since information corresponding to any of a plurality of pieces of information is output, the possibility that the output information is affected by the copy state is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide a reading apparatus in which information is less likely to be affected by the copying state.

  Further, it is desirable that the detecting means detects a plurality of images having different pixel sizes from the second image read by the reading means. The possibility that the image is affected by the copy state varies depending on the size of the pixel. Since the output information corresponds to the image, if the possibility that the detected image is affected by the copy state differs, the possibility that the detected image is affected by the copy state differs depending on the output information. . As a result, even if the information is affected by copying, it is clarified that the information is output depending on which information is output. As a result, it is possible to provide a reading apparatus in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy status, and even if the information is affected by the copy, it is clarified that the information has been affected by the copy.

  Further, it is preferable that the reading device includes a determination unit for determining whether or not the read second image is a copy in accordance with information that can be specified by the specifying unit. It is desirable for the output means to output information representing the result of determination by the determination means. As a result, even if the information is affected by copying, it is easily clarified that the information is output depending on which information is output. As a result, it is possible to provide a reading apparatus in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy status, and even if the information is affected by the copy, the influence of the copy can be easily clarified.

  The determining means determines whether or not the second image is a copy according to information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images having different pixel sizes that can be specified by the specifying means. It is desirable to include means. As a result, the influence of copying differs depending on the size of the pixel, so that it is particularly easily clarified that the information has been affected by the copying. As a result, it is possible to provide a reading apparatus in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy status, and even if the information is affected by the copy, the influence of the copy can be clarified particularly easily. .

  Further, the means for determining whether or not the copy is a copy of the second image according to the type of information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images having different pixel sizes can be specified by the specifying means. It is desirable to include means for determining whether the is a copy. As a result, the influence of copying differs depending on the size of the pixel, so that it is very easily clarified that the information has been affected by the copying. As a result, it is possible to provide a reading apparatus in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy status, and even if the information is affected by the copy, it can be very easily clarified that the information has been affected by the copy. .

  Further, it is desirable that the plurality of information include information representing the content of the second image read by the reading unit. Thereby, the possibility that the information of the contents of the image read by the reading means is affected by the copy state is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide a reading apparatus in which the information on the contents of the image read by the reading means is less likely to be affected by the copy state.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the plurality of information includes information indicating that confidentiality is required. The specifying means preferably includes means for specifying information indicating that confidentiality is required, corresponding to each of the plurality of first images. The output means preferably includes means for outputting confidential information so as to correspond to any of the information specified by the specifying means. As a result, the information for concealment is less likely to be affected by the copy status. As a result, it is possible to provide a reading apparatus in which the information for concealment is less likely to be affected by the copy state.

  Further, it is desirable that the plurality of pieces of information include information encrypted in advance and information used for decrypting the encrypted information. The reading device preferably further includes decryption means for decrypting the pre-encrypted information using information used for decrypting the encrypted information. This reduces the possibility that both the previously encrypted information and the information used for decrypting the encrypted information are affected by copying. As a result, it is possible to provide a reading apparatus in which information encrypted in advance and information used for decrypting the encrypted information are less likely to be affected by the copy state.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the information processing system, the creation unit creates a plurality of first images. The plurality of first images correspond to any of a plurality of pieces of information representing any one of characters and numerical values and different from each other stored by the storage unit. The overwriting means overwrites an arbitrary portion of the second image read by the reading means of the output device with the plurality of first images. The output unit of the output device outputs a second image in which the overwriting unit overwrites the first image. The detecting means includes a plurality of first images from a second image including a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of information output by the output device and read by the reading means of the reading device. Is detected. The specifying unit specifies information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images. The output unit of the reading device outputs information corresponding to any of the information specified by the specifying unit. Since information corresponding to any of the information specified by the specifying means is output, information corresponding to any of the plurality of information is output. As a result, the plurality of images corresponding to any of the plurality of information are overwritten on the image read by the reading unit of the output device, so that the information has an influence on copying in the image output by the output unit of the output device. There is less chance of receiving it. Since the output unit of the reading device outputs information corresponding to any of the plurality of information, the possibility that the information output by the output unit of the reading device is affected by the copying state is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing system in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy state.

  The reading device preferably further includes a determination unit for determining whether or not the second image is a copy in accordance with information that can be specified by the specifying unit. It is desirable that the output means of the reader outputs information representing the result of determination by the determination means. As a result, even if the information is affected by copying, it is easily clarified that the information is output depending on which information is output. As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing system in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy status, and even if it is affected by the copy, it is easily clarified that the information has been affected by the copy. .

  In addition, it is desirable that the plurality of information includes information representing the content of the second image. As a result, the possibility that the content information of the image is affected by the copy state is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing system in which image content information is less likely to be affected by the copying state.

  Moreover, it is desirable that the plurality of information includes information indicating that confidentiality is required. The specifying means preferably includes means for specifying information indicating that confidentiality is required, corresponding to each of the plurality of first images. The output means of the reading device preferably includes means for outputting information for concealment so as to correspond to any of the information specified by the specifying means. As a result, the information for concealment is less likely to be affected by the copy status. As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing system in which the information for concealment is less likely to be affected by the copy state.

  Further, it is desirable that the plurality of pieces of information include information encrypted in advance and information used for decrypting the encrypted information. The reading device preferably further includes decryption means for decrypting the pre-encrypted information using information used for decrypting the encrypted information. This reduces the possibility that both the previously encrypted information and the information used for decrypting the encrypted information are affected by copying. As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing system in which information encrypted in advance and information used to decrypt the encrypted information are less likely to be affected by the copy state.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the output program causes a computer to execute the following steps. The creating step creates a plurality of first images. The plurality of first images correspond to any of a plurality of pieces of information representing one of characters and numerical values and different from each other, stored in the storing step. The overwriting step overwrites an arbitrary portion of the second image read in the reading step with the plurality of first images. The output step outputs a second image in which the first image is overwritten in the overwriting step. As a result, a plurality of images corresponding to any of the plurality of information are overwritten on the read image, so that the possibility that the information is affected by copying in the image output by the output step is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide an output program in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy status.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium on which an output program is recorded. The output program causes the computer to execute the following steps. The creating step creates a plurality of first images. The plurality of first images correspond to any of a plurality of pieces of information representing one of characters and numerical values and different from each other, stored in the storing step. The overwriting step overwrites an arbitrary portion of the second image read in the reading step with the plurality of first images. The output step outputs a second image in which the first image is overwritten in the overwriting step. As a result, a plurality of images corresponding to any of the plurality of information are overwritten on the read image, so that the possibility that the information is affected by copying in the image output by the output step is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium on which an output program in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy state is recorded.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the reading program causes the computer to execute the following steps. The detection step detects a plurality of first images from a second image including a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of information read in the reading step. The specifying step specifies information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images. The output step outputs information corresponding to any of the information specified in the specifying step. Thereby, information corresponding to any of the plurality of information is output. Since information corresponding to any of a plurality of pieces of information is output, the possibility that the output information is affected by the copy state is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide a reading program in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy status.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium on which a reading program is recorded. The reading program causes the computer to execute the following steps. The detection step detects a plurality of first images from a second image including a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of pieces of information read in the reading step. The specifying step specifies information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images. The output step outputs information corresponding to any of the information specified in the specifying step. Thereby, information corresponding to any of the plurality of information is output. Since information corresponding to any of a plurality of pieces of information is output, the possibility that the output information is affected by the copy state is reduced. As a result, it is possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium in which a reading program in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy state is recorded.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing program causes a computer to execute an information processing system including an output device and a reading device by causing the computer to execute the following steps. In the storing step, the output device stores a plurality of pieces of information that represent either characters or numerical values and are different from each other. In the creating step, the output device creates a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of pieces of information. In the reading step for the output device, the output device reads the second image. In the overwriting step, the output device overwrites an arbitrary portion of the second image with the plurality of first images. In the output step for the output device, the output device outputs a second image obtained by overwriting the first image in the overwriting step. In the reading step for the reading device, the reading device reads a second image including a plurality of first images output from the output device and corresponding to any of the plurality of pieces of information. In the detection step, the reading device detects a plurality of first images from the second image. In the specifying step, the reading device specifies information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images. In the output step for the reading device, the reading device outputs information corresponding to any of the information specified in the specifying step. As a result, the plurality of images corresponding to any of the plurality of information are overwritten on the image read in the reading step for the output device, so that the information is copied in the image output in the output step for the output device. Less likely to be affected. In the output step for the reading device, information corresponding to any of the plurality of information is output, so that the information output in the output step for the reading device is less likely to be affected by the copying state. As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing program in which information is less likely to be affected by the copying state.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the recording medium is a computer-readable recording medium on which an information processing program is recorded. The information processing program causes the computer to execute the following steps. In the storing step, the output device stores a plurality of pieces of information that represent either characters or numerical values and are different from each other. In the creating step, the output device creates a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of pieces of information. In the reading step for the output device, the output device reads the second image. In the overwriting step, the output device overwrites an arbitrary portion of the second image with the plurality of first images. In the output step for the output device, the output device outputs a second image obtained by overwriting the first image in the overwriting step. In the reading step for the reading device, the reading device reads a second image including a plurality of first images output from the output device and corresponding to any of the plurality of pieces of information. In the detection step, the reading device detects a plurality of first images from the second image. In the specifying step, the reading device specifies information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images. In the output step for the reading device, the reading device outputs information corresponding to any of the information specified in the specifying step. As a result, the plurality of images corresponding to any of the plurality of information are overwritten on the image read in the reading step for the output device, so that the information is copied in the image output in the output step for the output device. Less likely to be affected. In the output step for the reading device, information corresponding to any of the plurality of information is output, so that the information output in the output step for the reading device is less likely to be affected by the copying state. As a result, it is possible to provide a computer-readable recording medium on which an information processing program in which information is less likely to be affected by the copying state is recorded.

  OUTPUT DEVICE, READER, INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM, OUTPUT PROGRAM, READ PROGRAM, INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM, COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING OUTPUT PROGRAM, COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING READ PROGRAM, AND INFORMATION A computer-readable recording medium on which a processing program is recorded is less likely to be affected by the copy status.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

<First Embodiment>
The information processing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the information processing system according to the present embodiment includes an output device 100 and a reading device 108. The output device 100 outputs the image 107 as a printed matter. The reading device 108 performs processing on the image 107 such as verification and copying.

  The output device 100 includes a reading unit 101, a determination unit 102, an acquisition unit 103, a generation unit 104, a synthesis unit 105, and an output unit 106.

  The reading unit 101 reads the created image. In the case of the present embodiment, an image is read from a recording medium storing the image (for example, a hard disk in a personal computer (PC), a CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory), a floppy disk, a flash memory, etc.). It is. The determination unit 102 determines an area in which information is embedded. In the case of this embodiment, it is necessary that there are a plurality of these areas. The acquisition unit 103 acquires embedded information specified by the user. This embedding information is information indicating the contents of the image to be output, information that should be kept confidential to a third party, control information when the output printed matter is copied, or output. It may be some information that has nothing to do with the image. There is no particular limitation. The generation unit 104 generates an image representing the information acquired by the acquisition unit 103. The synthesizing unit 105 overwrites a plurality of images generated by the generating unit 104 on an arbitrary part of the image stored in the reading unit 101. Thereby, an image is synthesized. The image generated by the generation unit 104 is combined with the area determined by the determination unit 102 among the images stored in the reading unit 101. The output unit 106 outputs the image 107 combined by the combining unit 105 as a printed matter.

  The reading device 108 includes an input unit 109, a detection unit 110, an extraction unit 111, a first processing unit 112, and a second processing unit 113.

  The input unit 109 reads image data. The detection unit 110 detects an area including a specific image pattern from the read image. The extraction unit 111 extracts information from the region detected by the detection unit 110 by classification for each pattern and identification of the shape of the pattern. The first processing unit 112 performs processing using the information extracted by the extraction unit 111 (determination based on information extracted by the extraction unit 111). The second processing unit 113 performs processing on the image 107. For example, a part of the image 107 is changed or an image is output depending on the result of the first processing unit 112.

  The output device 100 in FIG. 1 is realized by the general-purpose personal computer and its peripheral devices shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 2, a general-purpose personal computer and peripheral devices thereof are a CPU (central processing unit) 500, a display 501, a keyboard 502, a scanner 503, a printer 504, a storage unit 505, and an external device. A storage device 506, a mouse 507, a communication device 509, and a bus 510 are included. Unless otherwise specified, each unit of the output device 100 is a virtual device or a virtual circuit realized by the CPU 500. The CPU 500 obtains a program describing each processing procedure from the storage unit 505 (may be an external storage device 506 or a network destination via the communication device 509). CPU 500 executes the program. In addition, the CPU 500 exchanges data with the display 501, the keyboard 502, the scanner 503, the printer 504, the storage unit 505, the external storage device 506, the mouse 507, the speaker 508, and the communication device 509. The display 501 displays data to be displayed as an image. As a result, the data is output. The keyboard 502 detects a pressed key by a mechanical or electronic switch. Thereby, a user instruction is accepted. User instructions are output to the CPU 500 and the like via the bus 510. The scanner 503 is a device that converts a digital image by reading a printed matter such as a photograph or a document. The digital image is output to the CPU 500, the storage unit 505, or the external storage device 506 via the bus 510. The printer 504 is a device that prints a digital image sent via the bus 510 or the like on a medium such as paper. As a result, the digital image is output. The printer 504 is preferably a device that can print at high resolution. The storage unit 505 is not only used as a storage location for programs and data, but also used as a device for temporarily storing data necessary for executing the programs. The external storage device 506 may be a storage device that can be attached and detached, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a PC (Personal Computer) card. Alternatively, a memory or an external storage device attached to another network device that is connected to the CPU 500 via a network by wire or wireless may be used as the external storage device 506. The external storage device 506 in this embodiment is an MO (magneto-optical) drive. The external storage device 506 stores data such as the image 107. The mouse 507 receives a user instruction by a mechanical or electronic switch that detects a state where the button is pressed and a mechanical or electronic sensor that detects a relative movement amount of the mouse 507 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Accept. A communication device 509 exchanges data with other network devices connected by wireless or wired communication. The communication device 509 is realized by a network interface card or the like. The bus 510 connects the devices constituting the reading device 108 to each other.

  The CPU 500 includes an ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and a graphic chip (both not shown). The ALU performs operations necessary for the CPU 500 to perform its function. The graphic chip performs the following two processes. The first process is a process of converting data on the VRAM into a display signal. The second process is a process for outputting the converted signal to the display 501.

  The storage unit 505 includes a memory device such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a flash memory, and a video random access memory (VRAM) (both not shown). The memory device stores information necessary for the CPU 500 to perform its function. The VRAM stores data to be displayed as an image. Note that a memory, a register, or the like included in the CPU 500 may be interpreted as a kind of storage unit.

  The output device 100 is realized by computer hardware and software executed by the CPU 500. Generally, such software is stored and distributed in a recording medium such as the MO disk 600, and is read from the recording medium to the storage unit 505 by the external storage device 506 or the like and executed by the CPU 500 described above. The computer hardware itself is general. Therefore, the most essential part of the present invention is software recorded on a recording medium such as MO600.

  1 is realized by the copying machine 520 and the scanner connected to the copying machine 520 shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 is an external view of the copying machine 520. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the copying machine 520. Referring to FIG. 4, a copier 520 communicates with a CPU 500, a storage unit 505, an external storage device 506, a bus 510, an operation panel 511, a print engine 512, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 513, and the like. Device 514. Unless otherwise specified, each unit of the reading device 108 is a virtual device or a virtual circuit realized by the CPU 500. The operation panel 511 receives user operations. The operation panel 511 is also a device that displays information to the user. The print engine 512 prints image data. The ROM 513 stores software executed by the CPU 501. The communication device 514 communicates with the output device 100.

  Other hardware configurations are the same as those of the personal computer and its peripheral devices shown in FIG. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The reading device 108 is realized by hardware of the copying machine 520 and software executed by the CPU 500. Generally, such software is stored and distributed in a recording medium such as an MO (magneto-optical) disk 601, read from the recording medium to the storage unit 505 by the external storage device 506, and executed by the CPU 500 described above. . The hardware itself of the copying machine 520 described above is general. Therefore, the most essential part of the present invention is software recorded on a recording medium such as MO601.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the program executed by output device 100 has the following control structure for image synthesis.

  In step 301 (hereinafter, step is abbreviated as S), the reading unit 101 reads an image to be printed (for example, document data created by document creation software, an image captured by a scanner, or the like). In S302, determination unit 102 selects an area for embedding information from the captured image.

  In S303, acquisition unit 103 acquires embedded information. The acquisition unit 103 once digitizes the acquired information. The algorithm for digitizing the acquired information is not particularly limited. In the case of the present embodiment, information (certificate ID (identification), date, amount, etc.) originally represented by numerical values is not particularly converted. Other information (for example, company name) is converted into a numerical value stored in advance (in the case of the present embodiment, this numerical value is actually stored in the storage unit 505). The acquisition unit 103 stores the digitized information (and thus the acquired information) (in the case of the present embodiment, the storage unit 505 stores the actually digitized information). The generation unit 104 creates an image pattern from the digitized embedding information. In the case of the present embodiment, the generation unit 104 reconverts the digitized embedded information into binary data that is either “0” or “1”, and then converts the reconverted binary number. Image data is generated based on the data. An image represented by a printed material is generally composed of a collection of small dots. Even if fine dots are printed in an area that is not originally printed (for example, the background), it is not noticeable. Let some of these small points be one meaningful shape (dot pattern). For this purpose, a dot pattern representing “0” and a dot pattern representing “1” are predetermined. FIG. 6 shows a dot pattern of “1”. FIG. 7 shows a dot pattern of “0”. In the present embodiment, the data is converted into binary data of “0” and “1”. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other method may be used as long as the content of the embedded information can be specified. Also good. In the case of the present embodiment, the generation unit 104 repeatedly connects the dot pattern rows in a tile shape (when embedded in a tile shape, an embedded image can be efficiently inserted, but of course, a different method may be used). Create an embedded image. In the case of the present embodiment, the generation unit 104 generates image data by repeatedly arranging the created embedded images in accordance with the shape of the designated area. Thereby, the generated image data includes information redundantly. This is to prevent information from being impossible to read after printing due to paper dirt. In S304, the composition unit 105 synthesizes the image data of the image to be printed and the image data generated by the generation unit 104.

  In S305, determination unit 102 determines whether or not to embed the embedded information in another region (whether or not all the embedded information is embedded). If it is determined that the embedded information is not embedded in another area (all embedded information is embedded) (YES in S305), the process proceeds to S306. If not (NO in S305), the process proceeds to S302. In S306, the output unit 106 outputs the image synthesized by the synthesis unit 105 as a printed matter (in the case of the present embodiment, the printer 504 actually outputs the image synthesized by the synthesis unit 105).

  Referring to FIG. 8, the program executed by reader 108 has the following control structure with respect to determination of the read image.

  In step S901, the input unit 109 reads image data (in the case of the present embodiment, the scanner 503 actually reads image data). The input unit 109 stores the read image data (in the case of the present embodiment, the read image data is actually stored in the storage unit 505). The image data may be an image itself or an image expressed in another format.

  In S902, detection unit 110 detects an embedded image from the read image. In this embodiment, in order to extract an image, the detection unit 110 performs pattern matching using the dot pattern “1” shown in FIG. 6 and the dot pattern “0” shown in FIG. 7 as templates. To do. As a result of pattern matching, an image of a region having a high correlation is regarded as an embedded image.

  In S903, detection unit 110 determines whether a matching image (embedded image) has been found as a result of pattern matching. If it is determined that an image has been found (YES in S903), the process proceeds to S904. If not (NO in S903), the process proceeds to S905.

  In S904, the extraction unit 111 extracts information from the image detected by the detection unit 110 in S902. The extraction unit 111 performs pattern matching of which one of the dot pattern representing “1” and the dot pattern representing “0” is printed. Thereby, a data string composed of “0” and “1” is extracted as information. The extraction unit 111 extracts only necessary information from this data string. This is because the same data is repeatedly redundantly filled.

  In step S905, the first processing unit 112 determines whether the read image data is an original or a copy. In the case of the present embodiment, based on whether a region in which information is embedded is found only from within the region B202 or whether a region in which information is embedded is found from both within the region A201 and within the region B202, It is determined whether the read image data is an original or a copy.

  In S906, the second processing unit 113 displays the determination result on the operation panel 511 which is a part of the second processing unit 113 itself. If the read image data is an original, the second processing unit 113 displays that the original is displayed on the operation panel 511. If the read image data is a copy, the operation panel 511 displays that it is a copy. Further, the second processing unit 113 displays information representing the contents of the printed material embedded in the printed material.

  The operation of the information processing system based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

  The reading unit 101 reads an image to be printed. In the present embodiment, the receipt image shown in FIG. 9 is read (S301). When the image is read, the determination unit 102 selects an area for embedding information from the captured image (S302). Here, it is assumed that an area 200 surrounded by a broken line is selected as an area for embedding information in the blank portion of the receipt shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view of the selected area 200. In this case, it is assumed that the area A201 is selected from the area 200.

  When an area is selected, the acquisition unit 103 acquires embedded information. The acquisition unit 103 stores the acquired information (in the case of the present embodiment, as is clear from FIG. 11 described later, the acquisition unit 103 represents a plurality of pieces of information that represent either a character or a numerical value and are different from each other. Remember). The generation unit 104 generates image data from the embedded information (S303). In the case of the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 103 acquires information indicating the contents of the receipt 203 as information embedded in the region A201 in the region 200. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the contents of the acquired information and the digitized information. As is clear from FIG. 11, the plurality of information acquired by the acquisition unit 103 represents the contents of the image read by the reading unit 101. As a result, the information stored in the acquisition unit 103 is a plurality of pieces of information representing either a character or a numerical value and different from each other. The generation unit 104 creates an embedded image from the digitized information. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing the created embedded image A204. However, the embedded image A204 shown in FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the embedded image and does not correspond to the information shown in FIG. The actually created embedded image A uniquely corresponds to the embedded information A (information stored in the acquisition unit 103) in FIG. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing the generated image data. As described above, the generated image data includes information redundantly (embedded image A204 is repeatedly displayed). The broken lines in FIG. 13 are described for explanation. In the case of the present embodiment, the broken line in FIG. 13 is not actually printed. Further, if some identification information is put at the beginning or end of the embedded image A204, when the embedded information A is read, the head portion of the information becomes easy to understand. Note that FIG. 13 is also a diagram for explaining the concept of image data, and does not correspond to the information shown in FIG.

  When the image data is generated, the combining unit 105 combines the image data of the image to be printed with the image data generated by the generating unit 104 (S304). When the image data is combined, the determination unit 102 determines whether to embed the embedded information in another region (whether all the embedded information is embedded) (S305). In the present embodiment, since information to be embedded remains (NO in S305), the determination unit 102 selects an area for embedding information from the captured image (S302).

  In the case of this embodiment, the remaining information is filled in the region B202 shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the area B202 is an area representing the shape of a character string “COPY” as a latent image. In the present embodiment, the method for embedding data in the region B202 is a method different from that for the region A201. This is for the purpose of distinguishing from the dot pattern embedded in the area A201. The dot pattern embedded in the region B202 uses a point larger than that of the region A201. However, the dot density in the region A201 and the dot density in the region B202 at the time of printing are made as equal as possible (that is, the region A201 and the region B202 have the same total area occupied by dots in the unit area). The dot size in B202 is determined). By doing this, the average value of the luminance of each pixel becomes substantially equal between the area A201 and the area B202 (as a result, the boundary between the area A201 and the area B202 cannot be distinguished even with the naked eye in the dark). Because. This means that the difference between the density of the dots in the area A201 and the density of the dots in the area B202 cannot be discriminated at least from the naked eye in the dark. It means not to be. The generation unit 104 creates an embedded image B205 using such a dot pattern. Thus, the embedded image includes a plurality of images (embedded image A204 and embedded image B205) having different pixel sizes. This is because the size of one dot is different. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing the created embedded image B205. However, the embedded image B205 shown in FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the embedded image and does not correspond to the information shown in FIG. The actually created embedded image B uniquely corresponds to the embedded information B (information stored in the acquisition unit 103) in FIG. Thus, the generation unit 104 creates a plurality of embedded images corresponding to any of the plurality of information illustrated in FIG. A plurality of images (embedded image A204 and embedded image B205) having different pixel sizes correspond to different information for each pixel size. The generation unit 104 repeatedly arranges the created embedded images B205 according to the shape of the designated area. Thereafter, the generation unit 104 generates image data by extracting only the area B202. Thereby, the generated image data includes information redundantly.

  FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing the generated image data. The broken lines in FIG. 15 are provided for explanation. In the case of the present embodiment, the broken line in FIG. 15 is not actually printed. Although a part of the embedded image B205 may be cut off at the boundary of the region B202, no particular problem occurs. This is because the embedded image B205 is redundantly embedded. The generation unit 104 determines which of the method according to the region A 201 and the method according to the region B 202 is to be embedded according to which region the determination unit 102 has selected. FIG. 15 is also a diagram for explaining the concept of the image data, and does not correspond to the information shown in FIG.

  When the image data is generated, the combining unit 105 combines the images again (S304). By repeating the process of S304 a plurality of times, the synthesis unit 105 overwrites a plurality of embedded images on an arbitrary portion of the image read by the reading unit 101. When combining the region B202, the region A201 and the embedded image B205 may overlap. In the case of the present embodiment, the synthesis unit 105 overwrites the embedded image B205 in the region B202. Since the embedded image B205 is overwritten, the dot pattern of the embedded image A204 does not appear in the area B202.

  When all the information is embedded, the output unit 106 outputs the image synthesized by the synthesis unit 105 (that is, the image in which the synthesis unit 105 overwrites the embedded image in S304) as a printed matter (S306). At this time, if the printed image and the background image overlap, printing is performed so that the printed image appears. In the case of the present embodiment, the printed result is as shown in FIG. As described above, the average luminance values of the area A201 and the area B202 are equal. When the luminance becomes equal, the region A201 and the region B202 become a background that is difficult to distinguish visually. The large dot pattern in the area B202 can be faithfully copied even when a copying machine with a low resolution is used. Since the dot pattern can be copied, the dot pattern of the region B202 appears on the copy. FIG. 17 shows the result of copying the output receipt 203 with a copying machine. When the halftone dot of the area A201 is lost due to copying, a latent image of “COPY” appears on the copied receipt 800.

  When the image is output, the input unit 109 reads the image data (S901). In the case of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image data of the image shown in FIG. 16 is read from the printed matter printed in S306. As a result, the input unit 109 reads an image of the receipt 203 including a plurality of embedded images corresponding to any of the plurality of information. When the image data is read, the detection unit 110 detects an embedded image from the read image (S902). Here, first, an embedded image A204 embedded in the region A201 is detected. Thereafter, an embedded image B205 embedded in the region B202 is detected. Thereby, the detection unit 110 detects a plurality of images (embedded image A204 and embedded image B205) having different pixel sizes. After the image detection, the detection unit 110 determines whether a matching image (embedded image) is found as a result of pattern matching (S903). Since it is determined that an image has been found (YES in S903), the extraction unit 111 extracts information from the image detected by the detection unit 110 in S902 (S904). As a result, the extraction unit 111 converts a data string composed of “0” and “1” within the range of the small dot pattern region A201 and the range of the large dot pattern region B202 to each of a plurality of embedded images. It will be specified as information corresponding to.

  When the information is extracted, the first processing unit 112 determines whether the read image data is an original or a copy (S905). In the case of the present embodiment, whether the read image data is an original or a copy is determined based on whether information can be extracted from only the embedded image B205 or whether information can be extracted from both the embedded image A204 and the embedded image B205. Is done. Thereby, the first processing unit 112 determines the image of the receipt 203 according to information corresponding to each of a plurality of images (embedded image A204 and embedded image B205) having different pixel sizes that can be identified by the extracting unit 111. It is determined whether or not is a copy. When the copied receipt 800 is read, the information is extracted only from the embedded image B205 when the receipt 108 is read. This is because the image of the area A201 cannot be detected. The reason why the image in the area A201 cannot be detected is that the image in the area A201 has disappeared during copying. The reason why the image in the area A201 disappears is that when the dots of the dot pattern are small, they almost disappear except when copying with a high-resolution copying machine. Even if the dot pattern of the area A201 is printed by adjusting the density at the time of copying, the area A201 constituted by a fine dot pattern is deformed or blurred at the time of copying. The device 108 cannot extract information. As a result, the first processing unit 112 determines the receipt 203 according to the type of information corresponding to each of a plurality of images (embedded image A204 and embedded image B205) having different pixel sizes that can be identified by the extracting unit 111. It is determined whether the image is a copy.

  When it is determined whether the read image data is an original or a copy, the second processing unit 113 displays the determination result on the operation panel 511. Further, the second processing unit 113 displays information (embedding information B in the case of the present embodiment) representing the contents of the printed material embedded in the printed material (S906). Thereby, it can be visually confirmed whether or not the contents of the receipt 203 have been tampered with. In addition, the second processing unit 113 outputs information corresponding to any of the information specified by the extraction unit 111 (in the case of the present embodiment, information indicating the result of determination by the first processing unit 112). .

  As described above, the information processing system according to the present embodiment is printed as shown in FIG. 16 when the receipt shown in FIG. 9 is read. Since it is printed as shown in FIG. 16, it can be seen at a glance that it is a copy. It is also easy to determine that it is a copy. Furthermore, even if the dot pattern printed in the area A in FIG. 10 disappears by copying, the information embedded in the area B can be acquired. This is because the dot pattern in region B remains after copying. Thereby, even if it is a copied document, the validity of the content can be verified. As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing system in which information is less likely to be affected by the copy status.

  The reading unit 101 may receive an image via a network such as the Internet and read the image.

  The output unit 106 may display the image 107 synthesized by the synthesis unit 105.

  In addition, each device constituting the reading device 108 may exchange data via a device capable of transmitting and receiving data, such as a communication cable or wireless, instead of the bus 510.

  Various devices, a microphone, or the like may be used as a device that receives a user instruction in the reading device 108.

  Also, the reading device 108 can be realized by using the device shown in FIG. That is, a general-purpose computer and its peripheral devices can be used. In this case, in S906, if the read image data is the original, the second processing unit 113 displays that it is the original on the display 501. If the read image data is a copy, the display 501 displays that it is a copy. In this case, the printer 504 may be another network device connected via the communication device 509 among the devices constituting the reading device 108. That is, by controlling the printer 504 through the communication device 509, data for printing can be transmitted and printed via the network. Similarly, the scanner 503 may be another network device connected via the communication device 509.

  The generation unit 104 may convert the data digitized by the acquisition unit 103 into data corresponding to three or more patterns (for example, data corresponding to octal or hexadecimal) instead of binary. In that case, it is assumed that those patterns are determined in advance.

  In the case of the first embodiment, the shape of the embedded image A204 is rectangular, but the shape of the embedded image A204 may be any shape as long as it is a predetermined shape.

  There may be three or more pieces of information to be embedded. In that case, the processing of S302 to S305 is repeated until all the information is embedded.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, an information processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The hardware configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 18, the program executed by reader 108 has the following control structure for prohibiting copying of the read image. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, the processing shown in FIG. 8 is given the same step number. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In S1103, detection unit 110 determines whether a matching image (embedded image) is found as a result of pattern matching. If it is determined that an image has been found (YES in S1103), the process proceeds to S1104. If not (NO in S1103), the process proceeds to S1106.

  In S1104, the extraction unit 111 extracts information from the found image. Here, an area representing printing control and a control method are extracted. In addition, the first processing unit 112 determines whether the read image data is an original or a copy. If it is determined whether it is an original or a copy, the second processing unit 113 displays the determination result of the first processing unit 112 on the operation panel 511 that is a part of the second processing unit 113 itself. In S1105, first processing unit 112 performs processing in accordance with the instruction extracted by extraction unit 111. In S1106, second processing unit 113 copies image data (in the present embodiment, it is CPU 500 and print engine 512 that actually execute copying).

  Other processing flows are the same as those in the first embodiment. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The operation of the information processing system based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

  When the image is printed through the processes of S301 to S306, the input unit 109 reads the image of the printed material (S901). It is assumed that the image read at this time is an image satisfying the following three requirements. The first requirement is that the appearance is the same as the receipt 800 shown in FIG. The second requirement is that information to be described later is embedded in an area displayed as “COPY”. The third requirement is a requirement that information embedded in other areas is lost because the information has been copied once.

  When the image is read, through the processing of S902, the detection unit 110 determines whether a matching image is found (S1103). In this case, since it is determined whether a matching image has been found (YES in S1103), extraction unit 111 extracts information from the found image (S1104). The extraction unit 111 identifies information (to be described later) corresponding to each of the plurality of embedded images and indicating that confidentiality is required.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the contents of information extracted from the read image. The embedding information C and the embedding information D (that is, a plurality of information acquired by the acquiring unit 103 in S303) are images read by the input unit 109 in S901 (and eventually images read by the reading unit 101 in S301). Indicates the content of processing for. “001” of the embedding information C represents an instruction to paint the determined area black. This information is a kind of information indicating that the information needs to be concealed by representing a state in which the information is concealed. The “coordinate” in the embedding information C represents the starting point of the region to be filled. The “coordinates” shown in FIG. 19 indicate that the starting point is a position 10 mm to the right and 30 mm below from the upper left end of the receipt 1000. “Size” in the embedding information C represents the size of a region to be filled. “Size” shown in FIG. 19 indicates that a range of 50 mm in width and 10 mm in height is painted. “002” of the embedding information D represents an instruction to leave the determined area blank. This information is also a kind of information indicating that it needs to be concealed by representing a state in which the information is concealed. The “coordinates” in the embedding information D represent the starting point of a blank area. The “coordinates” shown in FIG. 19 represents that the starting point is a position of 50 mm to the right and 60 mm below from the upper left end of the receipt 1000. “Size” in the embedding information D represents the size of a blank area. “Size” shown in FIG. 19 represents that a range of width 60 mm and height 10 mm is blank.

  In addition, the first processing unit 112 determines whether the read image data is an original or a copy. In this case, since a predetermined dot pattern is not detected from the outside of the area where “COPY” is displayed, the second processing unit 113 determines the result of the determination by the first processing unit 112 (the read image data is a copy). Is displayed on the operation panel 511. When the result is displayed, the first processing unit 112 performs processing in accordance with the instruction extracted by the extraction unit 111 (S1105). In this case, the designated area of the image stored on the storage unit 505 is blacked out or left blank.

  When the processing is performed, the second processing unit 113 executes image data copying (S1106). FIG. 20 shows an example of an output image when the receipt 203 is copied using the copying machine 520. The area indicated by the embedding information C and the embedding information D (area C1001 and area D1002) is subjected to an instructed process (a process in which the area C1001 is blacked out and the area D1002 is left blank). The embedding information C and the embedding information D are both represented by a large dot pattern. Since both are represented by a large dot pattern, even if the image read in S901 is the original receipt itself, a copy (whether the copy in this case is a copy copied using the reader 108 or not is asked). No), the same result is obtained. As a result, the second processing unit 113 outputs information for concealment so as to correspond to any of the information indicating that concealment is required by representing the state of concealing the information specified by the extraction unit 111. Will be.

  As described above, the information processing system according to this embodiment can determine whether the read image is an original or a copy. Further, when the read image is printed, the information can be kept secret. Thereby, the spreading | diffusion of information more than necessary can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing system that is less likely to be greatly affected by the state of printed matter and the state of copying, and that can prevent unnecessary diffusion of information.

<Third Embodiment>
The information processing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

  The hardware configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  Referring to FIG. 21, the program executed by reader 108 has the following control structure for decoding. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 21, the same step numbers are assigned to the processes shown in FIG. These processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In S1205, the first processing unit 112 uses the “key” extracted by the extraction unit 111 to decrypt the information extracted by the extraction unit 111 (this information is encrypted in advance). In the present embodiment, the “key” refers to arbitrary information used for decrypting encrypted information. By using the “key”, the same plaintext is always prevented from being the same ciphertext. "Cryptography" is the process of converting normal unencrypted data (plaintext data) according to some rules and converting it into data (encrypted data) that does not know what it means to the third party. It is. Encryption is premised on being restored (decrypted) to the original plaintext by some rule (which may not be the same as the first rule). Normally, one “key” is encrypted every time one bit is encrypted (“encryption” may be encrypted using hardware such as an encryption chip or may be encrypted by software). Created. For example, a 64-bit key DES (Data Encryption Standard) system has 64-bit data (incidentally, other encryption systems include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), RSA, ElGamal, etc.). In the present embodiment, the first processing unit 112 decrypts information encrypted using a common key (the same “key” used for encryption and “key” used for decryption). In S1206, the second processing unit 113 displays the information decrypted by the first processing unit 112 on the operation panel 511 which is a part of the second processing unit 113 itself.

  Other processing flows are the same as those in the first embodiment. The function about them is the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  The operation of the information processing system based on the above structure and flowchart will be described.

  When the image is printed through the processes of S301 to S306, the input unit 109 reads the image of the printed material (S901). The image read at this time is a receipt 203 shown in FIG. However, the information embedded in the area A201 and the area B202 is different from that in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 22, information embedded in area A201 and area B202 (that is, a plurality of information acquired by acquisition unit 103 in S303) is an encryption method and a common key (that is, decryption of encrypted information). Information to be used) and embedded information E embedded in the area A201, and embedded information F representing previously encrypted information and embedded in the area B202.

  When the embedded information E and the embedded information F are extracted through the processing of S902 to S904 after the image is read, the first processing unit 112 uses the key extracted by the extracting unit 111 to The extracted information is decrypted (S1205). As a result, the first processing unit 112 decrypts the previously encrypted information using the information used for decrypting the encrypted information. When the information is decrypted, the second processing unit 113 displays the information decrypted by the first processing unit 112 on the operation panel 511 (S1205).

  As described above, the information processing system according to the present embodiment can decrypt information concealed from the read image using encryption. The concealed information is represented by a dot pattern using large dots, so that it is not greatly affected by the state of the printed matter or the copy state. Thereby, only the owner of the original and a person who can use the specific reading device can obtain the confidential information without being greatly affected by the state of the printed matter or the copy state. As a result, it is possible to provide an information processing system in which information is unlikely to be affected by the copy state and can prevent information leakage.

  Note that the embedding information E may be embedded in the region B202. In that case, the embedding information F is embedded in the area A201.

  Also, in S1205, the first processing unit 112 may calculate a “key” in advance by performing a process in which a conversion procedure or the like is predetermined on the extracted information. In this case, the first processing unit 112 decrypts the information using the “key”.

  In S1205, the first processing unit 112 may decrypt the information using a public key (a key for performing encryption or decryption using two keys of a predetermined pair). In this case, in S1205, the first processing unit 112 decrypts the information using the extracted “key” and the “key” possessed by the reading device.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a control block diagram of a general-purpose personal computer and peripheral devices that realize an output device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an external view of a copying machine that realizes a reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a control block diagram of a copying machine that realizes a reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the synthetic | combination process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the dot pattern of "1" concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the dot pattern of "0" concerning the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the determination process which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the original of the receipt which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged view of the area | region selected of the receipt which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the information embedded in the receipt which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the embedding image with which the dot pattern which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is small. It is a conceptual diagram showing the image data of the embedded image with a small dot pattern based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the embedding image with a large dot pattern which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram showing the image data of the embedding image with a large dot pattern based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the output receipt which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the copy of the output receipt based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the prohibition process which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the information embedded in the receipt which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the output receipt which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of control of the decoding process which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the information embedded in the receipt which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  100 output device, 101 reading unit, 102 determination unit, 103 acquisition unit, 104 generation unit, 105 synthesis unit, 106 output unit, 107 image, 108 reading device, 109 input unit, 110 detection unit, 111 extraction unit, 112 first Processing unit, 113 Second processing unit, 200 area, 201 area A, 202 area B, 203, 800, 1000 Receipt, 204 embedded image A, 205 embedded image B, 500 CPU, 501 display, 502 keyboard, 503 scanner, 504 Printer, 505 storage unit, 506 external storage device, 507 mouse, 509, 514 communication device, 510 bus, 511 operation panel, 512 print engine, 513 ROM, 520 copier, 1001 area C, 1002 area D.

Claims (25)

Storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of information representing either a character or a numerical value and different from each other;
Creating means for creating a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of information;
Reading means for reading the second image;
Overwriting means for overwriting the plurality of first images on an arbitrary portion of the second image;
And an output unit for outputting a second image in which the overwriting unit overwrites the first image.   The output device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first images include a plurality of images having different pixel sizes.   The output device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of images having different pixel sizes include images corresponding to different information for each pixel size.   The output device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pieces of information includes information representing content of the second image.   The output device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pieces of information includes information representing processing contents for the second image.   The output device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pieces of information includes information encrypted in advance and information used for decrypting the encrypted information. Reading means for reading a second image including a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of information;
Detection means for detecting the plurality of first images from the second image;
Specifying means for specifying information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images;
Output means for outputting information corresponding to any of the information specified by the specifying means. The plurality of first images includes a plurality of images having different pixel sizes,
The reading device according to claim 7, wherein the detection unit includes a unit for detecting a plurality of images having different pixel sizes. The reading device further includes determination means for determining whether or not the second image is a copy in accordance with information that can be specified by the specifying means,
The reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the information corresponding to any of the information specified by the specifying unit includes information representing a result of determination by the determination unit.   The determination unit determines whether the second image is a copy according to information corresponding to each of a plurality of first images having different pixel sizes that can be specified by the specifying unit. The reading device according to claim 9, comprising:   The means for determining whether or not the copy is a copy according to the type of information corresponding to each of a plurality of first images having different pixel sizes that can be specified by the specifying means. 11. A reader according to claim 10, comprising means for determining whether the image is a copy.   The reading device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of pieces of information include information representing contents of the second image. The plurality of information includes information indicating that confidentiality is required,
The specifying means includes means for specifying information indicating that confidentiality is required, corresponding to each of the plurality of first images,
8. The reading apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the output means includes means for outputting confidential information so as to correspond to any of the information specified by the specifying means. The plurality of information includes information encrypted in advance and information used to decrypt the encrypted information,
The reading device according to claim 7, further comprising decryption means for decrypting the pre-encrypted information using information used for decrypting the encrypted information. An information processing system including an output device and a reading device,
The output device is
Storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of information representing either a character or a numerical value and different from each other;
Creating means for creating a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of information;
Reading means for reading the second image;
Overwriting means for overwriting the plurality of first images on an arbitrary portion of the second image;
Output means for outputting a second image in which the overwriting means overwrites the first image;
The reader is
Reading means for reading a second image including a plurality of first images corresponding to any of a plurality of pieces of information output by the output device;
Detection means for detecting the plurality of first images from the second image;
Specifying means for specifying information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images;
And an output unit for outputting information corresponding to any of the information specified by the specifying unit. The reading device further includes determination means for determining whether or not the second image is a copy in accordance with information that can be specified by the specifying means,
The information processing system according to claim 15, wherein the information corresponding to any of the information specified by the specifying unit includes information representing a result of determination by the determination unit.   The information processing system according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of pieces of information includes information representing content of the second image. The plurality of information includes information indicating that confidentiality is required,
The specifying means includes means for specifying information indicating that confidentiality is required, corresponding to each of the plurality of first images,
The information processing system according to claim 15, wherein the output unit of the reading device includes a unit for outputting confidential information so as to correspond to any of the information specified by the specifying unit. The plurality of information includes information encrypted in advance and information used to decrypt the encrypted information,
The information processing system according to claim 15, wherein the reading device further includes decryption means for decrypting the pre-encrypted information using information used for decrypting the encrypted information. A storage step for storing a plurality of pieces of information representing either a character or a numerical value and different from each other;
Creating a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of information;
A reading step of reading the second image;
An overwriting step of overwriting the plurality of first images on an arbitrary portion of the second image;
An output program for causing a computer to execute each step including an output step of outputting a second image in which the first image is overwritten in the overwriting step. A computer-readable recording medium on which an output program is recorded,
A storage step for storing a plurality of pieces of information representing either a character or a numerical value and different from each other;
Creating a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of information;
A reading step of reading the second image;
An overwriting step of overwriting the plurality of first images on an arbitrary portion of the second image;
A computer-readable recording medium recording an output program for causing a computer to execute each step including an output step of outputting a second image in which the first image is overwritten in the overwriting step. A reading step of reading a second image including a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of pieces of information;
A detecting step of detecting the plurality of first images from the second image;
A specifying step of specifying information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images;
A reading program for causing a computer to execute each step including an output step of outputting information corresponding to any of the information specified in the specifying step. A computer-readable recording medium having a reading program recorded thereon,
A reading step of reading a second image including a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of pieces of information;
A detecting step of detecting the plurality of first images from the second image;
A specifying step of specifying information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images;
A computer-readable recording medium storing a reading program for causing a computer to execute each step including an output step of outputting information corresponding to any of the information specified in the specifying step. An information processing program for causing a computer to execute an information processing system including an output device and a reading device,
A storage step in which the output device stores a plurality of pieces of information representing either a character or a numerical value and different from each other;
A creation step in which the output device creates a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of pieces of information;
A reading step for an output device, wherein the output device reads a second image;
An overwriting step in which the output device overwrites an arbitrary portion of the second image with the plurality of first images;
An output step for an output device for outputting a second image, wherein the output device overwrites the first image in the overwriting step;
A reading step for a reading device that the reading device reads a second image including a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of pieces of information output by the output device;
A detection step in which the reader detects the plurality of first images from the second image;
A specifying step in which the reading device specifies information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images;
An information processing program for causing a computer to execute each step including information corresponding to any of the information specified in the specifying step and an output step for the reading device that the reading device outputs. A computer-readable recording medium recording an information processing program for causing a computer to execute an information processing system including an output device and a reading device,
A storage step in which the output device stores a plurality of pieces of information representing either a character or a numerical value and different from each other;
A creation step in which the output device creates a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of pieces of information;
A reading step for an output device, wherein the output device reads a second image;
An overwriting step in which the output device overwrites an arbitrary portion of the second image with the plurality of first images;
An output step for an output device for outputting a second image, wherein the output device overwrites the first image in the overwriting step;
A reading step for a reading device that the reading device reads a second image including a plurality of first images corresponding to any of the plurality of pieces of information output by the output device;
A detection step in which the reader detects the plurality of first images from the second image;
A specifying step in which the reading device specifies information corresponding to each of the plurality of first images;
A computer-readable recording information processing program for causing a computer to execute each step including information corresponding to any of the information specified in the specifying step and an output step for the reading device output by the reading device recoding media.

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